About
World War II (1939-1945)
William Charles Ackerknecht was born in Albany, New York, on March 21, 1925. By 1930, he was living in Schenectady, New York, with his family. William graduated from Albany Academy in 1943. During his time there, he participated in the Warren Literary Society, the Dramatics Club, the Glee Club, and the swing band. He attended Cornell University to study medicine before joining the army.
In March 1944, William enlisted in the United States Army. He was a private first class serving with the 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division. William was killed on December 7, 1944, during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, after offering to take the place of another soldier on a reconnaissance mission. He is buried in Vale Cemetery, Schenectady, New York.
Sources: The Schenectady Gazette, Find A Grave, Ancestry